Coalition of union affiliates endorses Buono for governor

State Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex), shown in this file photo, was endorsed tonight by the New Jersey State Industrial Union Council.Patti Sapone/The Star-Ledger

TRENTON — Barbara Buono, Democratic candidate for governor, tonight picked up the endorsement of the New Jersey State Industrial Union Council, a group of affiliates from the state's public sector unions.

"The New Jersey State Industrial Union Council is proud to support Senator Buono for governor because she will stand up for families and workers across New Jersey,” said council president Carol Gay. “During her distinguished career of service, Senator Buono has advocated for policies that matter to the middle class, including raising the minimum wage, expanding affordable healthcare and creating good-paying jobs.

The Council, which was formed to fight income inequality, represents members of the Communication Workers of America, the American Federation of Teachers, the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, the Service Employees International Union and many others.

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Buono, a state senator from Middlesex County, has tried to make this November's election about the state's unemployment rate, which is 9.3 percent, and high property taxes. Republican Gov. Chris Christie says his business friendly policies have attracted and retained jobs in the state.

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of the New Jersey State Industrial Union Council,” Buono said in a statement. “Unions are the backbone of our state’s economy and our local communities, and I will fight every day to increase economic opportunity and fairness in New Jersey.”

She already had the support of the Communication Workers of America, New Jersey's largest state workers union, and the State Fraternal Order of Police.

Christie today picked up the support of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825. He kicked off his re-election campaign in December with an endorsement from the state chapter of the Laborers' International Union of North America, and also has the backing of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association.